SOARING construction costs have left red-faced boys in blue with half a police station.

Work to add a new frontage to the 1960s Macclesfield Police Station has ground to a halt while police chiefs look for a way to bring the £600,000 project back on budget.

Cheshire Police has confirmed it is reviewing the plans after unexpected ground conditions and the removal of asbestos sent building costs over the original estimates.

Garth Knipe, building project manager said: "The underground problems included the discovery of a centuries-old drystone wall more than 6ft below the surface. The asbestos didn't present any health risk to people working in the building or to visitors, but removing it involved following very stringent safety precautions which obviously took time and involved extra cost.

"Although it may not be obvious from the outside, the work is about half way complete and the review is to look at the next stage and see if we can make adjustments which would bring it back on budget. We need a bit of time to carry out the review, so work has been virtually suspended for the time being. We have been talking with the contractor, Pierse Contracting Ltd, throughout, and there is no question of any dispute between us."

The new frontage at the Brunswick Street station includes a modern front desk and reception area and two interview rooms. A new helpdesk system, which will be manned by civilians, was launched yesterday morning (Tuesday) as planned.

The staff will eventually be housed in the new building but it was always intended they would start work this week, operating from the temporary entrance lobby at the rear of the police station.

The staff of the new helpdesk use an appointment system to deal with non-urgent matters, such as taking details of vandalism, minor theft and road traffic collisions.

Officers say the system will be far more convenient for most people and increase face-to-face contact between the public and the force. It has trialed elsewhere in Cheshire and has had an enthusiastic response.